Yoga is a set of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India with a view to attain a state of permanent peace. In Hinduism, yoga was adopted as one of the six aastika schools (which accept authority of Vedas) of Hindu philosophy known as Shat-Darshanas.
By the turn of the first millennium, Hatha Yoga emerged from Tantra. It, along with its many modern variations, is the style that many people associate with the word yoga today.
The word yoga itself means "union": of the individual consciousness with the Universal Consciousness. Though many people think of yoga only as physical exercises — the asanas or postures that have gained widespread popularity in recent decades — these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.
Yoga Therapy consists of the application of yogic principles, methods, and techniques to specific human ailments. In its ideal application, Yoga therapy is preventive in nature, but it is also restorative, palliative and curative in many others.
Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing exercises, kriyas, meditations and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Yoga therapy tailors these to the health needs of the individual. It helps to promote all-round positive health, as well as assisting particular medical conditions. The therapy is particularly appropriate for many chronic conditions that persist despite conventional medical treatment.
Medical research shows that Yoga therapy is among the most effective complementary therapies for several common aliments. The challenges may be an illness, a temporary condition like pregnancy or childbirth, or a chronic condition associated with old age or infirmity.
The integration of mind and body is very important for the healing process, but perhaps the main area where yoga therapy comes in handy is the inclusion of the 'spiritual' realm into the equation. Even if the student or patient belongs to no religion, or even if she or he does not acknowledge the existence of spirit, the practice of some of these techniques can eventually integrate this aspect of the self.
More than following just one style or one branch of yoga, Yoga Therapy feeds from virtually all styles and branches, combining the tools that each one of them bring in the design of a yoga practice routine that addresses the given condition.
During the past 80 years, health professionals in India and the West have begun to investigate the therapeutic potential of yoga. To date, thousands of research studies have been undertaken and have shown that with the practice of yoga a person can, indeed, learn to control such physiologic parameters as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory function, metabolic rate, skin resistance, brain waves, body temperature, and many other bodily functions.
Sammati WellBeing Centre organizes individual and group classes for general fitness and specific conditions through qualified Yoga Teachers.